Local Authority Design Guides - What do you think?
Chris Dale • November 21, 2023
Which would you rather – you can only pick one! 🅰️ – Some incredible architecture and some terrible architecture
Or
🅰️ – No incredible architecture and no terrible architecture
Our love of great design is plastered all over our website and (hopefully) seeps through everything we write and do.
We’re passionate about the built environment but there is a perpetual obstacle…
Local Authorities (Planning) perform a vital function; to ensure that proposed developments are appropriate and don’t harm our build environment or the people that use it. That’s not an easy job and carries an awful lot of responsibility, after all, who can actually decide what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ design?
Many iconic pieces of architecture, that are now cherished and loved were loathed when they were originally built. Guggenheim, Tour Eiffel, Sagrada Familia to name a few and not just quiet discontent, Pablo Picasso wished those responsible for the world famous Spanish landmark would be “sent to hell” while George Orwell described it as “One of the most hideous buildings in the world!” How can it be that buildings that are held as beautiful and iconic were so utterly scathed when they were first designed??
The answer is (I think) quite simple; people are afraid of what they don’t know or understand and almost by definition, this is what contemporary architecture (and art) tries to do, to push design boundaries.
How on earth are Local Authorities supposed to assess a design proposal or style of which they have little or no experience, or anything to compare with? Again, the answer is (or seems) simple in principle but not in practice; those judging design should be suitably qualified to do so (although seemingly – even designers can’t agree on good (contemporary) design – see Sagrada Familia!). Nevertheless – whilst there will always be disagreements between (qualified?!) designers and the general public, there seems some logic in having someone, who is qualified (?!) and experienced to make such a critical decision. For larger more significant building, there are review panels, attended by architects, amongst others – which on balance seems to be a sensible approach because it hopefully means on balance there will be more good decisions than bad.
This is all very well for larger projects, but what about all of the tiny projects that make up the majority of the residential streets that make our towns and villages where we actually spend most of our lives?
This is where (from most of our experiences) the system seems to fall apart. Obviously, Local Authorities, which are already stretched to say the least, do not have the resource to allocate an experienced or qualified designer to every single smaller project (for small, read a handful of dwellings or less). The solution is seemingly quite logically, intended to help the less experienced officers to assess the wide variety of proposals they must consider by creating some design guidance for them (also to try and ensure consistent decision making).
In principle this sounds very sensible, however, trying to distil the almost infinitely broad ranges of sites, situations, clients, desires and hence (viable and good) possibilities into a single design guide is not possible. The result is a design guide which is based on a very narrow set of ‘typical’ and ‘traditional’ instances of examples or situations that are known to work well. That also actually sounds great…doesn’t it?
This is where my heart sinks and genuinely sometime brings me to the verge of tears.
Because it’s typically placed in the hands of junior officers (see LA resourcing issues above) without design experience the well intentioned ‘guidance’ is taken as gospel and 99% of the time they then also do not have the confidence to deviate (at all) from the well-intentioned document. The consequences, in my eyes are truly catastrophic. Without the realistic opportunity for designs, which don’t conform to the guidance, to be approved, but which can still be full of passion, beauty and respect for the built environment – the variety, diversity, interest and creativity of the built environment is already suffering.
In all but the most historic densely populated towns (where there is generally less scope for development), you usually don’t have to walk very far to see how many buildings and extensions there are which are so ‘safe’ and so ‘magnolia’ – pastiche copies of styles gone by, that there is nothing that looks new, interesting, breaks any moulds or inspires anyone.
Full circle - here we go right back to the start of this blog. There is no doubt, a risk of allowing anything new or different, as inevitably there will be new building(s) that are labelled as ‘carbunkles’ - and some of them may be. But, others (and the appreciation can take time!) will be seen as iconic and will be loved and this even (especially?) applies to the smaller projects, in the streets which make up the majority of our villages, towns & cities.
What it really comes down to is trust and it’s no different with the planning system than it is in everyday life; we have to make decisions whether to trust someone or something. Most of the time we’ll probably get it right – other times we won’t and it might have a small consequence or it might have significant consequences. As in life though, it’s a choice and a fight not to allow the let-downs to make you cynical – who wants to live in that world??
Of course, I’m not recommending blind or uneducated trust, that just leaves a big wide open door to abuse but without some more trust in the ability of experienced and passionate designers to do what they’re (generally) good at, what a hideously bland world we will all live in.
The thing that led to this blog was reviewing once small element of RBWM’s Borough Wide Design Guide regarding one of the smallest types of development – the dormer window.
This is an example of their ‘guidance’ – you can read the rest in full here https://www.rbwm.gov.uk/home/planning/planning-policy/planning-guidance/adopted-supplementary-planning-documents-spds/borough-wide-design-guide-spd
Not surprisingly there are probably hundreds of instances of designs, which would probably not accord with the guidance but which I think are beautiful and some of which have won awards. Had this guidance been applied – they would not exist – and our world would be architecturally that little bit poorer and less diverse.
As with every one of our clients, we do not tell them what they should or shouldn’t like. We try and inspire them and we try and help them to understand what the options are, what might suit them and why. Thereafter, they make the decisions.
The same applies here. By writing this blog, I’m not trying to tell everyone that they should like modern architecture. What I am trying to do is ask them (you ;o) to decide for themselves whether they would rather accept a safe but inspirational and cynical world or whether it’s better to have faith, trust, be susceptible to things that aren’t great but allow the potential to be inspired and to allow our built environment to flourish.
This marks a huge milestone in what has been one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding projects our practice has ever worked on. An Opportunity and a Privilege When we were first approached by Step Property almost five years ago, it was immediately clear that Manor Farm was a once-in-a-career project — a historic farmstead with five Grade II listed buildings, a sensitive Conservation Area setting, Green Belt & flood plain constraints, a struggling commercial yard and collapsing historic buildings that all urgently needed a coherent long-term vision and a strategy to achieve that. To be entrusted with leading the design and coordination of such a significant site has been a genuine privilege, one which we have not taken lightly.
Across the UK, many homeowners and small developers are pausing their plans. Construction costs are at record highs, planning requirements have become more complex, and professional fees are also increasing, so even a seemingly simple home extension or redevelopment is much more of a risk. Possibly the greatest concern we hear is – “What if we spend thousands of pounds only to find out it’s not even possible?” That’s exactly why we created the Kickstarter Package — our fixed-fee feasibility study that helps you to make informed decisions at a nominal cost in comparison to house purchases and developments. What is the Kickstarter Package? The Kickstarter Package is a design-led feasibility consultation that explores the planning, budget and design potential of your property. For a modest, fixed fee (from £750 excl. VAT), our experienced architects help you understand whether your ideas are likely to be achievable, affordable, and aligned with current planning policy — saving time, stress and money later on. You’ll receive clear answers to the key questions every homeowner faces: Is planning permission likely to be granted? What might the project cost? How long could it take? What could it look like? What’s Included — and Why It Matters Each element of the Kickstarter Package offers exceptional value compared with typical early-stage architectural or consultant fees. 1. Initial Consultation and Site Visit We start with a detailed discussion about your goals & requirements — from extending your home to redeveloping a site or purchasing a property. Then we visit the site to review opportunities and constraints in person. This early visit often uncovers crucial planning, drainage or design issues before you spend thousands on detailed drawings.
For many families, extending or renovating their home has long been the dream solution — more space, a better layout, and a home that works for modern life. But in today’s climate, with projects in the £100,000–£300,000 range, things feel a lot more challenging. So what’s changed, why is it harder, and how can you still make your project work? The Main Challenges • Planning is getting pricier – application fees are higher, and councils are demanding more specialist reports (heritage, ecology, flood risk, transport, sustainability). • Build costs keep rising – materials and labour are much more expensive than even a few years ago. • Tougher regulations – stricter building rules on energy efficiency, fire safety and accessibility add extra costs. • Financing is harder – borrowing is still more expensive than it was pre-2022. • Trades are stretched – good builders and subcontractors are in high demand, pushing prices and timescales up. • Delays and uncertainty – planning decisions are taking longer, especially in sensitive areas like the Green Belt, Conservation Areas or with listed buildings. • Budgets are squeezed – with the cost of living rising, homeowners are weighing up whether extending or simply moving makes more sense.
1. Tell us a little about Mark Taylor Design — how did it start, and what defines your approach to bespoke interiors and kitchens? Mark Taylor Design was set up 29 years ago. I was trained in both furniture production and management and was also a keen designer. I had completed an MBA and wanted to apply all these skills to build a business, doing something I loved. I have always believed that you can design beautiful furniture and rooms without imposing a specific ‘look’. The company has built its reputation on listening to the ideas and desires of clients. We then help to steer their vision through space design, interior expertise and craft skills. What people have at the end of their design and build journey is their vision made beautiful – rather than ours. 2. What makes a truly successful kitchen or interior design in your view — and how do you balance aesthetics with day-to-day functionality? There is nothing quite like the beauty of bespoke. Having something created to your specifications is arguably the epitome of modern luxury. Bespoke is most commonly used to refer to hand-made suits and shoes. Now the concept has become much more sought after within the world of interiors and design – with bespoke kitchens leading the way. And it’s not too hard to understand why. Bespoke means not having to compromise - getting exactly what you want and how you want it. It also allows you to unleash your imagination and embrace your creativity. The end result is a room that is crafted, in every way, to embrace your lifestyle and personal taste. Importantly, by incorporating some elements of bespoke furniture into a custom made kitchen it’s possible to give people a unique room without breaking the bank. This could be a bespoke island or dresser for instance. By combining bespoke and custom made you can optimise the space so that the end result flows smoothly and looks amazing too. 3. How do you typically collaborate with architects on a project? What makes those relationships work well? Collaboration early on always helps. We ask architects not only about style and budget but also about the client’s favoured ways of working. Ideally, we like to meet the clients with the architect from the outset. Where this isn’t possible, we at least aim for a walk round the space or a chat through all the plans – even for the areas we might not be designing for, as this gives us a more comprehensive understanding of the clients’ vision.
It’s summer holiday season — and as clients return from coastal cottages, mountain cabins, or sun-drenched villas, one theme keeps coming up: “How can I bring this feeling home?” That sense of ease, simplicity, and quiet joy isn’t just about being away—it’s about how those spaces are designed. At Artichoke: Architectural Consultancy, we help clients capture that same serenity in their everyday environments, with thoughtful design that’s tailored to how they live. Restful spaces aren’t created by chance. They’re the result of purposeful decisions—about layout, light, flow, and function. And often, it’s the small, well-considered changes that make the biggest difference. With decades of experience navigating UK planning, building regulations, and complex design briefs, we know how to deliver spaces that feel effortless, yet are deeply intentional. A calming home doesn’t need to be minimalist or expensive—it needs to be clear. That might mean reconfiguring a hallway to reduce visual clutter, introducing built-in storage to keep surfaces free, or designing a garden connection that invites you to step outside. These aren’t grand gestures—they’re subtle shifts that support a more peaceful way of living. Previously, on projects such as Halfacre (pictured below) we have found that storage, in particular, plays a quiet but very powerful role. When clutter is tucked away with care, rooms feel lighter, more spacious, and more welcoming. We design storage that’s integrated, intuitive, and tailored to your lifestyle — so your home supports simplicity without sacrificing function.
Like many, I am generally a saver rather than a borrower by default. A client recently told us that they planned to delay their project, so that they could save the additional money they needed to be able to do the extension that they really wanted, rather than compromising. Wisely they had asked us to carry out a costing exercise, so they knew this and could assess the situation and plan for it. In that instance they had £75,000 and needed save roughly another £25,000 to do what they wanted to do, which they thought they might be able to do over the course of 3-4 years. Their question was actually when they should resume the process, which we answered and I suggested that they give themselves a year to be comfortable to get planning, building regulations and find themselves a builder (it’s always better to allow more time than less!). However, it occurred to me that whilst saving rather than borrowing (in my mind at least) is an admirable and patient approach, it made me wonder what other factors should be considered.
